Walsh is not daunted by last year's record or the inexperience on the mound. The team has 10 freshman pitchers and only one upperclass pitcher, junior Frank Hogan, who has won a college game.

Instead, Walsh is entirely optimistic, emphasizing the team's defensive prowess and strength up the middle.

Walsh's success-oriented mindset translates into plans for next year's preseason that include games against top Division I schools in Florida.

"If we want to be the best, we want to play the best," Walsh said.

As for this year's spring break trip to the south, Walsh acknowledges the disadvantage of opening against southern teams who have already played more than 20 games this season.

"Our biggest competition will be ourselves at this point of the season," Walsh said.

With a discouraging finish last year and unfavorable preseason reports, putting some W's in the record are essential to justify Harvard's newfound commitment and Walsh's high hopes for a team whose members have never experienced a winning college season.

It's root, root, root for the home team, if they don't win it's a shame, cause it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ballgame.